Make a present of the past

“Margie is always ready to share her extensive knowledge and experience of family history matters. Her infectious enthusiasm can inspire novices and hardened researchers alike.”

- A.B., Merton

Start discovering your family history today

I like to regard my research as a family historian as a joint venture with my clients, hoping always to convey to them the excitement of the research and the relevance and significance of the discoveries we make.

I offer a range of research services which include:

Researching your family history as far back as you request and as historical records survive

Researching the family history of birth parents for those who have been adopted

Coaching in sound genealogical research practice

Mentoring you in your research

Advising and supporting you in sharing your family history with others e.g. in print or through setting up and maintaining your own family history blog

Whatever I do on your behalf, you can always expect:

The same enthusiasm and care as I exercise in researching my own family;

A rigorous approach to research, which always includes an initial assessment of, and advice on, the research that has already been carried out.

The establishment of an agreed objective before I embark on research

A report which includes a description of my research strategy, the thinking behind it, my findings (including negative results, and the interpretation of any anomalies), advice on any implications or areas to follow up, with full source citations and supporting documentation. A Pedigree Chart can be provided, if required.

How it works

Email Discover your Family History

We offer a variety of types of research, so knowing what you would like to find out, helps us to recommend the right package for you.

Tell us what you already know

So that we don’t go over old ground, we need to know what you already know and what you would like to find out.

Confirm research quote

We will make a preliminary assessment and come back to you with an estimate for the research required. As every study is unique, pricing can vary.

Get the results

Once the research objective has been met, you will receive a full report. If you would like to present the results as a gift to a family member, please ask for details of our premium printed option.

Pricing Structure

Family and Local History Research Services

£25 per hour

From £25 per hour, with a minimum of one hour.
Clients usually commission me to research their family history, taking one or more lines back as far as records survive. Sometimes I may be asked to conduct a single, specific piece of research which often includes the identification, location and recording of documents.

Research Support

£18 per hour

This might entail helping you to prepare for a visit to an archive, or accompanying you on all, or part, of your visit, in the role of your research assistant. A minimum of two hours.

Genealogy Coaching

£25 per hour

This is ideal for those starting out on their research, who want to develop sound skills, with the support of a coach who is an experienced genealogist.

Learning Leaps and Mentoring

£25 per hour

£10 per half-hour on subsequent consultations.
This is the ideal gift for your family’s historian, or for yourself, if you have become ‘stuck’ in your research or don’t know where to start.

Additional Charges

I may have to pay fees to libraries or archives—for example, for photocopying, photographic permits or downloads to a USB stick—and these will be charged at cost. Payments made for certificates or copies of documents are also charged at cost.

I do not charge for the initial assessment of your research objective. For travel outside London or Edinburgh, I will inform you of the anticipated travel costs and seek your agreement before travelling to archives further afield.